Tomen y Faerdre

Burnham 1995
Tomen y Faerdre is an impressive motte, 6m high on the east and 25m across the summit. It sits on a natural rock outcrop, forming a cliff above the river Alyn on its west. An artificial ditch runs around its remaining sides, tapering down towards the stream on the south, but ending in mid-air above the crag on the north. There is no trace of a bailey.
Presumably the site would have commanded the route along the Alyn valley, but it does not enjoy especially wide views; the valley is, however, narrowed here by cliffs opposite. Possibly 11th-century in origin, the site was a local administrative centre, and like Tomen y Rhodwydd was refortified by King John in 1212 against Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, when the rock-cut ditch was either dug or enlarged.

Return to Castle Index, Castle Database, or Castle Location Maps
Return to main castle page menu